The 2024 Standard Chartered Marathon men’s winner Ronald Kurgat is banking on his victory at the World Athletics road label race to propel him to victory at the Daegu Marathon on February 22.
Kurgat clinched the StanChart title on October 27, clocking 2:13:05 to edge out Dominick Bett ( 2:13:13 ) and Peter Kwemoi ( 2:13:14 ) in a thrilling finish.
His triumph earned him a Sh2 million payday. Bett and Kwemoi pocketed Sh1 million and Sh500,000, respectively.
Speaking after receiving his prize money at the Standard Chartered headquarters in Westlands, Nairobi, Kurgat said the cash will enhance his preparations for Daegu.
“I have a race in Daegu and receiving this cheque today will lift my morale as I intensify my training. It’s a big motivation to chase good results,” Kurgat said.
Kurgat also plans to invest part of his winnings in real estate.
“I will use the money to build an apartment in Eldoret and also support my family,” he added.
A StanChart regular since 2012, Kurgat holds the event in high regard.
“Standard Chartered is the best race in the country. I have competed in every edition since 2012. Even though I hadn’t won before, God helped me achieve victory last year,” he remarked.
His training revolves around speed and endurance work.
“My schedule includes a 21km run on Monday, 15km speed-work on Tuesday, 15km in the morning and 10km in the evening on Wednesday, track or endurance runs on Thursday, another 21km on Friday and Saturday and a rest day on Sunday,” he outlined.
Meanwhile, women’s champion Gladys Chemutai is plotting to defend her crown later this year.
“I thank God for my victory. It was motivating and I am more than ready to go for another win. My target this year is to clock 2:27, if I get the chance to return,” Chemutai said.
Chemutai dominated last year’s race, clocking 2:31:52 ahead of Caroline Koech ( 2:35:00 ) and Joy Kemuna ( 2:36:06 ).
She has already begun preparations for the 2024 season and is hopeful of securing a race in Spain in April.
“I don’t have a confirmed race yet but my management is working on one in Spain. If it happens, I aim to lower my personal best from 2:29 to 2:18,” she said. “I am ready and confident to attain my targets.”
Joyce Kibe, Standard Chartered Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing for Kenya and Africa, highlighted the financial impact of last year’s marathon, which raised Sh43 million from the Sh2,000 registration fee.
“The funds go towards our Future-makers programme, which empowers young women and persons with disabilities by equipping them with essential skills,” Kibe said.
The 2024 edition attracted over 25,000 participants from 90 countries, including 206 elite runners.